The Pitt Panthers star is expected to replace Justin Tucker for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Baltimore Ravens have long been synonymous with excellence in special teams, particularly in their placekicking unit. Since 2012, Justin Tucker has been the cornerstone of the Ravens’ kicking game, earning recognition as one of the best kickers in NFL history. Tucker’s ability to perform in clutch moments, along with his strong leg and consistent accuracy, has made him one of the most reliable and iconic players in the NFL.

However, as the Ravens prepare for the future, there are growing rumors that Tucker’s time in Baltimore may be coming to an end, and the team could be eyeing a replacement for their legendary kicker. In a surprising turn of events, the star kicker from Pitt Panthers, Ben Sauls, is being pegged as a potential successor for Tucker in the Ravens’ kicking game. As the team faces salary cap constraints and prepares for a new chapter, Sauls has emerged as a viable option to carry the torch for Baltimore’s special teams.

This article will examine the significance of the potential change, how Ben Sauls from Pitt could be the next great kicker for the Ravens, and what it would mean for the future of Baltimore’s kicker position.

The Legacy of Justin Tucker

To understand the gravity of the potential departure of Justin Tucker, it’s important to reflect on the career that he has built with the Ravens. Over the last decade, Tucker has been the embodiment of reliability. His clutch kicks in high-pressure situations, both in the regular season and playoffs, have earned him an illustrious reputation across the league. Tucker’s ability to make long-range kicks—often from distances that many kickers would shy away from—has set him apart from his peers.

Some of Tucker’s most memorable kicks include his record-breaking 66-yard field goal against the Detroit Lions in 2021, which remains the longest field goal in NFL history. Tucker also holds the distinction of being the most accurate kicker in NFL history, having surpassed the previous record for career field goal percentage. His consistency, mental toughness, and leg strength have made him one of the most revered specialists in the NFL.

Off the field, Tucker’s impact in Baltimore has been profound. He is beloved by fans, players, and coaches alike, not only for his field goals but for his leadership and professionalism. Tucker has become a fixture in the Ravens’ locker room, with his attention to detail and his emphasis on preparation often serving as an example for other players.

Yet, as Tucker enters his 14th NFL season, there are many factors at play that could make this the final chapter of his remarkable career in Baltimore. Age, salary cap issues, and the team’s evolving needs all point toward the possibility that the Ravens may look to move on from their star kicker.

Ben Sauls: A Star in the Making

The name Ben Sauls has gained considerable attention in the world of college football, especially among NFL scouts and front offices. A star kicker for the Pitt Panthers, Sauls has made a name for himself with his consistency, leg strength, and ability to perform in clutch moments. As a junior in 2023, Sauls demonstrated the poise and reliability necessary to thrive at the next level. He has consistently been one of the top kickers in the ACC, with an impressive field goal percentage and the ability to make long-distance kicks with relative ease.

What sets Sauls apart from many of his peers is his mental toughness. Kicking in high-pressure situations is nothing new to Sauls, as he has repeatedly delivered crucial field goals in late-game scenarios for the Panthers. His calm demeanor and ability to stay focused on the task at hand are qualities that NFL teams covet, and they are qualities that would serve him well in the highly competitive world of professional football.

Sauls’s career at Pitt has been marked by several significant achievements, including multiple game-winning kicks, a high success rate on extra points, and a demonstrated ability to consistently kick the ball deep on kickoffs. In terms of accuracy, Sauls has proven to be a reliable option from both short and long distances, with a particular emphasis on his ability to convert from 40+ yards. This ability to make long kicks is one of the traits that make him a natural fit for the Ravens, a team that has built its legacy around a kicker who can consistently deliver from significant distances.

Why Ben Sauls Makes Sense for the Ravens

As the Ravens look toward the future and the possibility of moving on from Justin Tucker, Ben Sauls is emerging as a prime candidate to replace him. The reasons for this are multifaceted, but several key factors make Sauls a natural fit for Baltimore.

1. Strong Leg and Accuracy

One of the defining traits of Justin Tucker has always been his ability to make long kicks with ease. Whether it was a game-winning field goal from 50+ yards or a booming 60-yard attempt in a clutch moment, Tucker’s range and accuracy set him apart from most kickers. In that sense, Ben Sauls brings a similar skill set to the table. Sauls’s leg strength is remarkable, and he has demonstrated his ability to convert from long distances, with several successful 50-yard attempts in his college career.

For the Ravens, finding a kicker who can match Tucker’s leg strength and ability to deliver from deep range is crucial. The offense in Baltimore is often predicated on a strong running game and a solid defense, meaning games can sometimes come down to field goals from long distances. Sauls has shown that he has the leg to match the pressure, making him an ideal candidate for a team like the Ravens.

2. Proven Clutch Performer

The Ravens have a long history of playing close, hard-fought games. With their emphasis on defense and running the football, they often find themselves in low-scoring affairs where a clutch kick can be the difference between victory and defeat. Justin Tucker has made a name for himself by thriving in these pressure-filled situations, consistently delivering game-winning kicks in the most important moments.

Ben Sauls’s college career has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, making him a valuable commodity for a team that thrives in such scenarios. Whether it’s a late-game situation or a crucial field goal in the playoffs, Sauls has shown that he can rise to the occasion, much like Tucker has done for the Ravens over the years. This mental fortitude would be crucial in allowing Sauls to make the transition from college to the NFL, especially for a team like the Ravens that demands excellence in high-stakes moments.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Future Flexibility

One of the driving factors behind the potential move to replace Tucker with Ben Sauls is the Ravens’ salary cap situation. The team has several high-profile players on its roster, and the salary cap can often be a limiting factor when it comes to allocating resources. Justin Tucker’s salary is a significant investment, and while he remains one of the best in the business, the Ravens may feel that they can find a more affordable option in Sauls.

As a rookie, Sauls would likely sign a much more team-friendly contract compared to Tucker’s veteran deal. This financial flexibility would allow the Ravens to free up cap space for other needs, such as bolstering their offensive line or improving their receiving corps. A younger, less expensive kicker would allow the team to maintain its competitive window while addressing other areas of the roster.

4. Special Teams Philosophy and Evolution

The Ravens have long been one of the most well-coached teams when it comes to special teams, with coordinator John Harbaugh being a well-respected figure in the league for his ability to develop talent in this area. While Justin Tucker has been a central figure in the team’s success, the Ravens have also excelled in other aspects of special teams, including punt coverage, kick returns, and blocking. The ability to transition to a younger, potentially cheaper kicker like Sauls would allow the Ravens to maintain the strength of their special teams while investing in other areas of the team.

The Transition: From Tucker to Sauls

While replacing a player as iconic as Justin Tucker would be no easy task, the transition from Tucker to Ben Sauls could be a smooth one for the Ravens. Sauls’s college success, combined with his natural kicking ability, makes him a strong candidate to step into Tucker’s shoes. Given the similarities in their kicking styles, Sauls could thrive in Baltimore’s system, particularly with the support of a veteran special teams unit and coaching staff.

For the Ravens, the opportunity to bring in a young, talented kicker who is ready to step up and make an impact in his rookie season is an enticing one. If the Ravens do decide to move on from Tucker, Sauls is certainly a name to watch in the coming months.